USA and Dominican Republic grabbed victories at FIVB WWCH

ROME, Italy, September 25, 2014.- The Dominican Republic have managed to keep Croatia at bay for a thrilling 3-2 (25-22, 25-13, 22-25, 24-26, 19-17) victory in Rome. Despite dropping a point, the Caribbean side can still already qualify from tonight, but will anyhow have to wait for the Italy v Argentina result to come in. Despite the loss, Croatia are hardly out of contention, as they still have a 1-2 record in their Pool.

On the Caribbean side the top scorer was Gina Mambru with 25 tallies, Bethania de la Cruz finished with 15, Prisilla Rivera with 14 and Candida Arias 12. Maja Poljak scored 15 for the Croatians and Mia Jerkov 16, while Sanja Popovic and Senna Usic, registered 13 apiece.

USA 3-0 Netherlands

USA are also through to Round II, having just won their match in Verona 3-0 (29-27, 25-21, 25-18) over the Netherlands. The Americans join Russia, who had qualified earlier this afternoon, in going through from Pool C. The Netherlands, though are still with a 2-1 record and have one foot already in the next round. Kimberly Hill and Christa Harmotto Dietzen, closed with 14 points apiece for the USA Jordan Quinn-Larson Burbach also contributed with 13 units and Tetori Dixon with 10. Celeste Plak tallied 16 for Netherlands and Anne Buijs finished with 11.

Azerbaijan 3-2 Puerto Rico

After 142 minutes, Azerbaijan dominated Puerto Rico in five sets to grab 2 points in Pool D. Scores were 25-20, 24-26, 26-24, 25-16 y 17-15. Polina Rahimova marked the difference with a good offensive control, as well as libero Oksana Kiselyova in defensive duties. Karina Ocasio closed with 21 puntos, Yarimar Rosa with 20, and Aury Cruz with for Puerto Rico 14, while Lynda Morales scored 10. On the European side, Rahimova tallied 31 points.

Japan 3-0 Cuba

Japan struggled in two of the three sets, but eventually found a way past Cuba for a 3-0 (25-19, 26-24, 25-23) win in Bari that brings them back their rightful place as pre-tournament favourites for Pool D, with a 2-1 record. Cuba remain winless in three matches, but this pool is far, far from over.

Thailand 3-0 Mexico

Thailand went past Mexico in three thrilling sets (27-25, 36-34, 26-24) to get their first victory in Pool C at PalaOlimpia on Thursday. Thailand beat Mexico for the first time at a World Championship, as this was the first meet between the two teams at a major tournament. Ajcharaporn Kongyot was the top scorer for Thailand with 22 points. On the Mexican side, Rangel scored 17 points, followed by  Sainz and Carranza with 16 and 15 respectively.

Brazil 3-0 Canada

Brazil comfortably beat Canada 3-0 (25-14,25-8, 25-18) on the third day of the 17th edition of Women’s World Championship. Canada has not won a set against Brazil in any major FIVB competition, a span of five matches (1984 and 1996 Olympics, 1991 and 1995 World Cup, and 2003 World Grand Prix). It was confirmed today. Top scorer for Brazil was Jaqueline with 16 points; Sheilla had 12 and Fabiana 11. For Canada, Brittney Page scored 12 kills.